Beak> and Hysterical Injury live at Bedford Esquires gig review

Beaks’ end of tour gig found them playing in Bedford so I thought it only right that I get myself along to see them. I must confess I’ve not really followed them before, and I was curious to see what they’d be like live. A mate of mine had suggested getting tickets ahead of our annual pre-Christmas drink-up the next day, and seeing as it was at Esquires (one of my favourite venues) I thought I’d give them a go. 

The support for the evening was Hysterical Injury, who conjured up a great sound given there was just the two of them. Portishead meets Massive Attack and ‘Faith’ period the Cure is how I’d describe them. I thought they were very good, and I’d recommend checking out their new album Lifedeathlife, it’s a keeper.

Beak came on to a packed room and promptly took us through a fine selection of tunes including latest single ‘Life Goes On’, a selection of tracks from their most recent album >>> and some older tracks like Battery Point.

​The music was excellent, but what made this gig special though was the banter between the songs, taking in topics such as the election results, derogatory comments made on Youtube about their KEXP performance and cover band Wrong Jovi who were playing in the room downstairs. The ease with which they chatted to the audience, and the witty repartee really engaged the audience and made you warm to them. Why more bands can’t do this I will never know. Maybe it’s the fact that they’ve been performing for a few years that made the banter so effortless, or its their unique personalities coming out but either way it makes for great entertainment and value for money.
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We left the gig smiling and the band seemed to enjoy themselves to, judging by the twitter comment below. Esquires responded by saying their welcome back anytime, and lets hope they take them up on it.    

Click here for a video of Alles Sauvage from the night, here for Life goes on and here for Battery Point